South Lincolnshire super-dairy plans dropped

Animal welfare campaigners are claiming victory after proposals for a 3000-cow “super dairy” in South Witham, Lincolnshire, were dropped.

The plan by developers Velmur Ltd was to site the unit on the Buckminster Trust Estate. But the Vegans International Voice for Animals group (VIVA) lobbied the planners and local villagers.

“We are delighted for South Witham and the country as a whole that the march of zero-grazing units across the UK is being halted,” VIVA campaign manager Justin Kerswell said.

“It is a testament to the power of local people and national groups such as VIVA that the little guy can provide a formidable opponent to big business,” said Mr Kerswell.

In a statement, Velmur said it pulled out after reflecting on a meeting with South Witham Parish Council and comments from local residents.
 
There was still a case for more intensive dairying in the UK and the scheme could have met anticipated concerns of the village, said the statement.
 
It added: “Velmur had from the outset agreed to consult and listen to the views of the village.
 
“Access, the site and measures for slurry disposal could have minimised the impact of the scheme.
 
“The proximity of the site to the village however would not be acceptable to the village in the circumstances.
 
“The directors have agreed that they will not be taking forward a planning application for this site.”
 
The Buckminster Trust Estate, which owns the land, had said it would not foist the development on the village should residents oppose it.